Alvin Anderson, age 68, of Elbow Lake Village, Minnesota, died Monday, April 19, 2010 at Innovis Health Systems in Fargo, North Dakota.

Alvin "Joe" LaVern Anderson, the son of Vernon L. and Genevieve (LaGue) Anderson was born February 20, 1942 at home in Elbow Lake Village, rural Waubun, Minnesota. He spent most of his childhood in Elbow Lake Village, also spending a short time in the Basswood Lake area. As a young man, he began working with his father at the family sawmill. On December 28, 1961 Joe married Donna Fairbanks in Mahnomen, Minnesota. They spent one year living in Lincoln, Nebraska where Joe worked with a drywall company. They have spent the remainder of their life together in Elbow Lake Village. In the early 1970's, Joe began working for the Mahnomen County Highway Department doing road maintenance. Joe officially retired from the highway department in 2009, due to health concerns.

Joe truly loved the great outdoors. He spent as much time as possible outside fishing, hunting, trapping, and riding his four-wheeler in the woods. He also enjoyed trips to the casino, playing blackjack and keno. He loved the thrill of getting a good deal and never turned down the opportunity to buy guns, tractors, maintenance equipment, or any other "treasure."

Joe was a very kindhearted and caring man who touched many people. He had a strong outgoing personality and loved to be around people of all ages. He always took time to stop and visit with family and friends, and especially enjoyed a chat on the phone. He also deeply treasured the friendship he had with his dog, Bubba. His fun loving nature and wonderful laugh will be forever in the memory of those that loved him.

Joe is survived by his wife, Donna "Susie" Anderson of Elbow Lake Village; two sons, James "Boy" (Yvonne) Anderson and Alvin "Boogie" Jr., (Hayley) Anderson, all of Elbow Lake Village; two daughters, Rita (Ron) White of Sugar Point, MN, and LaDonna "Sis" (Jeff Moore) Anderson of Elbow Lake Village; three brothers: Kenneth Anderson of Elbow Lake Village, Vernon (LaVonne) Anderson of Tulaby Lake, MN, and Glen (Virginia) Anderson of Tulaby Lake; one sister, Beverly (Glen) VanWert of Ogema, MN; 12 grandchildren: Ryan, Star, Dustin, Charles, NaKoya, Michael, Amanda, Shannon, Thomas, Hunter, Ron Jr., and Rhonda; 14 great grandchildren: Debwe, Tavion, Dustin, Kordia, LaKeisha, Desirae, Eldon, Emily, Kelsy, Treavor, Tyron, Scott, Louie, and Daicy; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Genevieve; two brothers, Boyd and Larry; a grandson, Jay; and a granddaughter, Taylor "Weezer."
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 23, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the Elbow Lake Lutheran Church in rural Waubun. Visitation will be Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 5-7 pm with a 6:30 pm prayer service also at the church.